I suppose it depends.
One of the most disappointing things about the R is the standard looking front. If you take a normal Golf R-Line to any joe soap they look very similar. Obviously to the trained eye difference is clear i just woulda loved the GTI front bumper and red line through the lights and grill.
Best points is the rear just looks savage with the double exhaust pipes each side. I have the VCDS program and set the outside two to always open so sounded good. Mine was DSG so it had the amazing pop as it changed gear, the whack off this is way louder than a GTI and really sounds like a rally car shifting up through the gears, i dont like auto but with DSG the R is well worth it. I have a MK5 GTI and drove the MK7 GTI butt he R is way ahead of both, handling wise and power of course. Theres not many corners the R will slip on, if you want really lose driving then the R will not do it, it just has that much grip. In all fairness how many times are you gonna come sides sliding round the round about, 99.9% you'll want it planted and ready for the exit!
My opinion best combination of power and speed with economy. You've got a 4.9sec to 60 car that could average 36mpg when in economy commuting to work. Not many will do this. You'll get more if ya drive it with the cruise control on.
I'll nab one when i come back from UK in few years for good bit less hopefully, definitely would recommend them.